We, the Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic convene in Prague on 3 December 2015 on the occasion of the Visegrad Group Summit adopt hereby the following Joint Statement:

In response to the 13 November brutal terror attacks perpetrated in Paris, we express solidarity and deepest sympathy with the French nation. We especially regret the number of innocent victims. Our thoughts are with their families. This inhumane terrorist act represents an attack on the values which bind the European nations together. Faced with this unprecedented security threat we stand side by side with France as firm partners in the European Union and allies within NATO. We are ready to offer France all the necessary support and cooperation.

Given the nature and scope of this security challenge the European Union has to act. We underline that the upcoming December European Council must take a clear stance on fighting terrorism. The discussion should build on the action taken so far, identify further possible elements of a united and complex response of the European Union to the current security challenges and make sure this response is implemented quickly and effectively. All relevant means of countering terrorism must be mobilised. We place particular emphasis on the need to improve information and intelligence sharing within Europe, to finalise the Passenger Name Record Directive, on measures aimed at combatting financing terrorism and organised crime, as well as on a conclusive debate on a transparent EU framework for firearms control [read more]